9 answers
Savanah
Student
Maryland City, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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what do i do after i graduate high school ?
i am a 9th grader i want to graduate early but i don't know what to do after graduation
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9 answers
Rocky Bitrus
Business Development
6
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Rocky’s Answer
Absolutely, you have the potential to pursue college education! Engage in a conversation with your high school career counselor to discover the path that suits you best. During the initial two years of college, you have the flexibility to explore various subjects through general classes before settling on a major. This is your journey, and you're fully capable of navigating it successfully!
Megan Ludwig
Business Development
4
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hello Savanah! It's fantastic that you're already pondering your future beyond high school as a Freshman. You're certainly ahead of the curve! I encourage you to select electives and engage in extracurricular activities that pique your interest throughout your high school journey. These experiences will assist you in discovering your passions and envisioning your post-high school path. I also suggest considering AP classes, which could provide you with college credits if you opt for higher education.
Around your junior year, consider visiting colleges to determine if that's a path you'd like to pursue, and perhaps even discover your dream institution! If you're uncertain about attending a university, starting at a community college is a great option. You can transfer to another institution after completing some courses, which is also a smart way to save money.
Remember, the next four years will be a journey of self-discovery and exploration of your interests. Let these discoveries guide your decisions! Collaborate with your guidance counselor, teachers, and peers to discuss your aspirations.
Ultimately, whatever path you choose post-high school will be the right one for you. Concentrate on maintaining good grades, delving into your interests, and most importantly, enjoying this exciting phase of your life. Don't overly stress about the future, everything will fall into place as it should.
Around your junior year, consider visiting colleges to determine if that's a path you'd like to pursue, and perhaps even discover your dream institution! If you're uncertain about attending a university, starting at a community college is a great option. You can transfer to another institution after completing some courses, which is also a smart way to save money.
Remember, the next four years will be a journey of self-discovery and exploration of your interests. Let these discoveries guide your decisions! Collaborate with your guidance counselor, teachers, and peers to discuss your aspirations.
Ultimately, whatever path you choose post-high school will be the right one for you. Concentrate on maintaining good grades, delving into your interests, and most importantly, enjoying this exciting phase of your life. Don't overly stress about the future, everything will fall into place as it should.
Joanne Corgiat
Marketing and Consulting
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Navigating life after high school can be a daunting task. Kudos to you for being proactive and forward-thinking!
The key to overcoming this challenge lies in discovering your passions. Explore a wide range of electives, participate in after-school activities, or even delve into various subjects at your local library.
This exploration will help you identify your interests beyond academic work. While guidance counselors can provide valuable advice, remember that there are countless job opportunities that aren't mentioned in textbooks or pamphlets. Stay open-minded throughout your school journey, and consider joining local groups such as Junior Achievement or Scouts. These organizations can connect you with potential mentors and broaden your perspective beyond the confines of your high school.
As you grow socially, personally, and academically, seize every opportunity to participate in your school's career and college fairs. Engaging with people outside of school can be enlightening. Don't worry if you're unsure about your future as you continue your education.
Remember, there are numerous opportunities outside of college: trades, vocations, and essential roles in retail and restaurants. The key is to find what brings you happiness, not what others expect from you.
Avoid rushing into adulthood. Though I accelerated my journey by earning college credits in high school, remember that youth is fleeting and your teenage years are a crucial foundation for your life. Don't let it pass by too swiftly.
Upon completing your education, hopefully, you'll have the support of family or friends to help you navigate your decisions. Don't be afraid to change directions. After all, there's no point in pursuing something that doesn't bring you joy :)
The key to overcoming this challenge lies in discovering your passions. Explore a wide range of electives, participate in after-school activities, or even delve into various subjects at your local library.
This exploration will help you identify your interests beyond academic work. While guidance counselors can provide valuable advice, remember that there are countless job opportunities that aren't mentioned in textbooks or pamphlets. Stay open-minded throughout your school journey, and consider joining local groups such as Junior Achievement or Scouts. These organizations can connect you with potential mentors and broaden your perspective beyond the confines of your high school.
As you grow socially, personally, and academically, seize every opportunity to participate in your school's career and college fairs. Engaging with people outside of school can be enlightening. Don't worry if you're unsure about your future as you continue your education.
Remember, there are numerous opportunities outside of college: trades, vocations, and essential roles in retail and restaurants. The key is to find what brings you happiness, not what others expect from you.
Avoid rushing into adulthood. Though I accelerated my journey by earning college credits in high school, remember that youth is fleeting and your teenage years are a crucial foundation for your life. Don't let it pass by too swiftly.
Upon completing your education, hopefully, you'll have the support of family or friends to help you navigate your decisions. Don't be afraid to change directions. After all, there's no point in pursuing something that doesn't bring you joy :)
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
176
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Savanah, After graduating high school, you have several options to consider, depending on your interests, goals, and circumstances:
1. **Higher Education**: Many students choose to pursue further education by attending college or university to earn a degree. Research different programs and institutions to find one that aligns with your career aspirations and academic interests.
2. **Vocational Training**: If you have a specific career path in mind that doesn't necessarily require a traditional four-year degree, vocational training or trade school may be a good option. These programs provide hands-on training in various skilled trades or professions.
3. **Gap Year**: Some students opt to take a gap year to travel, work, volunteer, or explore different interests before committing to further education or entering the workforce. A gap year can provide valuable experiences and help you gain clarity about your future goals.
4. **Military Service**: Joining the military is another option that offers opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as financial support for education.
5. **Workforce**: You may choose to enter the workforce directly after high school. Consider job opportunities in fields that interest you or offer growth potential. Entry-level positions can provide valuable work experience and help you build skills for your future career.
6. **Entrepreneurship**: If you have a business idea or entrepreneurial spirit, you might consider starting your own venture. Research and planning are essential for success in entrepreneurship, so take the time to develop a solid business plan.
7. **Internships/Apprenticeships**: Internships or apprenticeship programs allow you to gain practical experience in a specific industry while learning from professionals in the field. These opportunities can help you build a network and make informed decisions about your future career path.
Regardless of the path you choose, take the time to explore your options, set goals, and make decisions that align with your interests, values, and long-term aspirations. Remember that your journey after high school is just beginning, and there are many opportunities for growth and success ahead.
1. **Higher Education**: Many students choose to pursue further education by attending college or university to earn a degree. Research different programs and institutions to find one that aligns with your career aspirations and academic interests.
2. **Vocational Training**: If you have a specific career path in mind that doesn't necessarily require a traditional four-year degree, vocational training or trade school may be a good option. These programs provide hands-on training in various skilled trades or professions.
3. **Gap Year**: Some students opt to take a gap year to travel, work, volunteer, or explore different interests before committing to further education or entering the workforce. A gap year can provide valuable experiences and help you gain clarity about your future goals.
4. **Military Service**: Joining the military is another option that offers opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as financial support for education.
5. **Workforce**: You may choose to enter the workforce directly after high school. Consider job opportunities in fields that interest you or offer growth potential. Entry-level positions can provide valuable work experience and help you build skills for your future career.
6. **Entrepreneurship**: If you have a business idea or entrepreneurial spirit, you might consider starting your own venture. Research and planning are essential for success in entrepreneurship, so take the time to develop a solid business plan.
7. **Internships/Apprenticeships**: Internships or apprenticeship programs allow you to gain practical experience in a specific industry while learning from professionals in the field. These opportunities can help you build a network and make informed decisions about your future career path.
Regardless of the path you choose, take the time to explore your options, set goals, and make decisions that align with your interests, values, and long-term aspirations. Remember that your journey after high school is just beginning, and there are many opportunities for growth and success ahead.
Dr. Toni Edwards-Joubert (D.P.Psy)
Teacher/ College Counselor
1
Answer
Arlington, Texas
Updated
Dr. Toni’s Answer
There's absolutely nothing wrong with being unsure about your path after high school. College is a fantastic chance to dabble in various subjects and discover what truly sparks your interest. It's perfectly okay to enter college without a declared major. Remember, you have ample time to decide on your focus.
Christian Salazar Aguilar
Senior Iteration Manager
2
Answers
Grecia, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Christian’s Answer
Hello Savanah,
It makes me very happy to see that you are already thinking about how you could develop yourself in your near future! This is great!
Now, what I advise you is to dedicate some time and explore skills aligned to different type of careers, so you will understand the purpose of those skills and if you will be interested in learning in those areas. Continue collecting feedback from professionals, create your profile in LinkedIn and start investigating about how people have developed their career and explore courses that will be very beneficial for you.
I would like to share this page from IBM which includes free courses you could also explore. (https://skillsbuild.org/students/course-catalog)
My last advice to you is, never stop learning, be a LIFELONG learner, this will always be very valuable for you.
Christian Salazar Aguilar
Learning and Knowledge, Senior Iteration Manager
It makes me very happy to see that you are already thinking about how you could develop yourself in your near future! This is great!
Now, what I advise you is to dedicate some time and explore skills aligned to different type of careers, so you will understand the purpose of those skills and if you will be interested in learning in those areas. Continue collecting feedback from professionals, create your profile in LinkedIn and start investigating about how people have developed their career and explore courses that will be very beneficial for you.
I would like to share this page from IBM which includes free courses you could also explore. (https://skillsbuild.org/students/course-catalog)
My last advice to you is, never stop learning, be a LIFELONG learner, this will always be very valuable for you.
Christian Salazar Aguilar
Learning and Knowledge, Senior Iteration Manager
Elizabeth May
IT Auditor
8
Answers
Montgomery, Texas
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
My initial suggestion is to savor your high school years, don't be in a hurry to finish! If you have a specific goal that requires early graduation, by all means, go for it! However, if there's no compelling reason to graduate early, make the most of your high school days. Remember, adulthood lasts much longer than your early education years, so cherish your youthful days while they last.
Following that, I would urge you to contemplate pursuing further education. This could be in the form of an associate or bachelor's degree, or perhaps attending a trade school. In today's world, securing a job with just a high school diploma can be challenging.
Following that, I would urge you to contemplate pursuing further education. This could be in the form of an associate or bachelor's degree, or perhaps attending a trade school. In today's world, securing a job with just a high school diploma can be challenging.
Maura Moin
Business Development
4
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Maura’s Answer
My advice to you is to follow your heart and explore several career or school paths. You are young and have lots of time to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. No one knows what they want to do with the rest of their lives at 18 years old! If you wish to explore a college education but are not sure what you want to major in, you can always start with Community College until you decide on a career path.
Susan Gross, ICF-PCC, PHR, SHRM-CP
Staffing Manager
4
Answers
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
Susan’s Answer
There are so many options and no "defined" timeline! If you are uncertain of attending college after graduating, you can do a "gap-year" which is basically a year of self/career discovery -- to work in jobs/companies that might be of interest and then you can choose to pursue going to college for the relevant degree required for the particular career. Not everyone goes to college after graduating HS; and that is perfectly OK! If joining the military is an option, then speak to a local military recruiter in your town to explore if it is a career option of interest.